Murder team admit probe delay could have cost them vital evidence
Gunshot wound was initially missed
Police have admitted vital evidence in the murder of Brian Low - shot and killed on a remote track outside Aberfeldy -“could have been lost” given the time it took to launch a probe.
Police Scotland Detective Chief Inspector Martin Macdougall made the comment when questioned over why a post mortem examination took six days after a gunshot wound on the body of Mr Low (65) was initially missed.
There retired groundsman, from Aberfeldy, was found by a member of the public on a path on the outskirts of the town at 8.30am on Saturday, February 17, alongside his black Labrador, and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Mr Low’s death was initially deemed to have been medically-related and not suspicious.
He was examined four days later - on Wednesday, February 21 - when a gunshot wound was found.
A subsequent post mortem on Friday, February 23 – six days after he was discovered – found he had been killed by the shot and a murder probe was launched.
DCI Macdougall stated that there was no evidence to suggest that Mr Low, who worked at Edradynate Estate prior to taking retirement around a year ago, was involved in any form of criminality or subjected to a targeted attack.
The high-ranking officer also said that no precise information in relation to Mr Low’s injuries or the type of weapon used would be formally released at this stage.
DCI Macdougall stressed that “a number of lines of inquiry” were being followed and reiterated a previous appeal for anyone with information in relation to the harrowing incident to come forward.
When asked if the delay in establishing the formal murder probe could pose issues in terms of the investigation, DCI Macdougall stated: “Obviously, once it had been established on the Wednesday that there were concerns surrounding the death, the [crime] scene was established at the stage. Yes, we appreciate, given the time, some [evidence] could have been lost but we’ve taken every opportunity since to try to recover everything possible.”
Explaining the timeline, he said: “Mr Low’s death was initially assessed as being non-suspicious and medical-related, but following a medical examination it was established he had injuries consistent with being fatally shot.
“The Major Investigation Team were then contacted and a two-doctor postmortem examination was scheduled. It took place on Friday, February 23, after which it was confirmed Mr Low had been fatally shot. A murder inquiry was immediately launched thereafter.
“Family Liaison Officers were identified and Brian’s next of kin were made aware on the afternoon of Saturday, February 24, about the significant update in the case.
“The Major Incident Public Portal was then set up on the Monday and released to the public Tuesday. It allows them to submit information directly to the team.
“Brian’s family continue to be supported by specialist officers and we ask for their privacy to be respected at this time as they come to terms with what has happened.
“Since criminality was established on
Please be assured we are doing all we can